Facing a must-win situation in their Super Regional series against visiting Fullerton College, the Cerritos College softball team had one bad inning in their 8-3 Game 1 loss on Friday. The Falcons (29-14), who are the #4-seeded team, need to defeat the #5-seeded Hornets twice on Saturday at Nancy Kelly Field if they are to advance to their first state tournament since 2009.

Trailing only 2-1 heading into the top of sixth inning, the Cerritos defense committed four errors behind freshman pitcher Reanna Carranza (El Rancho HS), who was in her first inning of relief. Each defensive miscue led to a Fullerton run, who scored their six runs in the inning on just four hits. Sophomore starting pitcher Samantha Islas (Roosevelt HS) had allowed two runs on four hits through the first five innings, with both Hornet runs coming with two outs in the third inning.

Cerritos opened a 1-0 lead in the second inning when sophomore shortstop Miranda Diaz (California HS) singled with an out and advanced to third base on an infield single by freshman catcher Jimena Velazquez (Fullerton HS). The hart-hit ball deflected off third baseman Alendy Aguilar, and when it rolled out of her reach, it allowed Diaz to take the extra base. Sophomore designated player Maddy Guillen (La Puente HS) drove in Diaz with a sacrifice fly.

Although they were down 8-3, the Falcons scored twice in the sixth inning to get a little closer. Freshman outfielder Marley Manalo (Walnut HS) singled, while sophomore third baseman Brooklyn Bedolla (Mayfair HS) followed with a double. Diaz then drove in both with a double.